Inside Canada’s gambling gold rush: The rise of regulated online platforms

Canadian online platforms are helping deliver smoother, safer and more intuitive online gambling ventures that rival the best in the world

YOU’RE WITNESSING A seismic shift in Canadian wagering; what began as casual visits to casinos and physical lottery kiosks has transformed into a flourishing iGaming terrain. In Ontario alone, players wagered an astonishing C$82.7 billion in the 2024‑25 fiscal year (April 1, 2024–March 31, 2025). Gross gaming revenue surged to C$3.2 billion—a 32% increase from the previous period, according to industry trackers. That remarkable climb illustrates how digital platforms are changing the face of entertainment in Canada.

Mobile apps, livestreamed tables and real-time sports bets are replacing the need for in-person gambling. With more than 49 licensed operators managing over 80 digital sites in Ontario, this is no passing trend—it’s a major economic and cultural reordering. Growth is not isolated to Ontario, with Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec all introducing government-regulated platforms. Each has contributed hundreds of millions in revenue to their respective provincial coffers, solidifying their place in the national gambling landscape.

Regulation Turns Grey Markets into Government Income

Before regulation took hold, up to 75% of online gambling in Canada flowed through offshore sites that didn’t pay taxes or offer you meaningful consumer protections. These grey-market platforms were widespread; however, they operated outside of provincial oversight. That changed in April 2022 when Ontario launched its regulated market through iGaming Ontario and the AGCO. Since then, the shift has been dramatic. By 2024, more than 86% of Ontario’s online gambling moved to licensed platforms—up from less than 30% just two years earlier.

The numbers tell the story: in Q4, iGaming Ontario reported C$22.9 billion in wagers and C$903 million in revenue. February 2025 alone set a new monthly record with C$7.13 billion in betting handle. Other provinces are moving in the same direction. If you’re in British Columbia, you now have access to single-event sports bets on PlayNow. In Alberta, the AGLC brought in nearly C$1.9 billion in gaming revenue in 2023. Even without private casinos, regulated online gambling is turning your bets into tangible provincial income.

Trustworthiness Becomes a Winning Strategy

You now expect your online gambling experience to be fair, safe and seamless—standards that licensed platforms across Canada are prioritizing to stay competitive. Independent audits from groups like eCOGRA and iTechLabs verify that games are truly random and fair. Built-in tools like self-exclusion options, deposit limits and cooling-off periods support responsible play and put more control in your hands. Strong customer service and mobile-first interfaces are now standard, especially as most access comes through smartphones.

Players can now easily access trusted casinos and game reviews, ensuring a safe, fair and seamless gambling experience through platforms that prioritize transparency and player protection. That trust is reflected in the numbers: in early 2025, 83.7% of Ontario’s online wagers went through licensed operators—slightly down from 86.4% in 2024, but still a strong majority. Regulation isn’t just about oversight anymore—it’s helping assemble a safer, more transparent climate that puts your experience first.

Economic Engines and Industry Innovation

The ascendancy of regulated iGaming is helping power new parts of the economy. In its second year, Ontario’s licensed iGaming industry added an estimated C$2.7 billion to the province’s GDP and supported nearly 15,000 full-time jobs, up by 2,800 from year one. Other provinces are studying Ontario’s approach as they build or fine-tune their own systems. Rankings released in June 2025 highlight a fast-moving and competitive market, with recent summits in Toronto drawing thousands of attendees focused on tools, technology and best practices.

Although some global trends—like blockchain-enabled rewards, NFT-based perks and AI-driven personalization—are still taking shape in Canada, you’re starting to see their impact. Operators are making it easier for you to pay with Interac and crypto, refining mobile interfaces and using real-time analytics to respond to your preferences. These innovations are helping deliver smoother, safer and more intuitive online gambling ventures that rival the best in the world.

What Lies Ahead? Expansion, Vigilance, Balance

The momentum behind Canada’s iGaming expansion remains strong. Ontario’s regulatory model is already dictating national conversations; Alberta continues exploring private-operator licenses under its crown framework; Manitoba has initiated legislative discussions; finally, Quebec, British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces are steadily expanding their regulated offerings. Yet, challenges persist: according to the AGCO, roughly 16.3% of Ontario wagers still occur offshore.

This reflects a dual priority for regulators—to broaden access to legal platforms while also enforcing compliance and consumer protections. New regulatory focus areas include tighter advertising restrictions, enhanced anti-money laundering frameworks and clearer boundaries around youth and vulnerable populations. Technological tools will be central to this strategy—expect more rigorous Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, monthly activity disclosures, real-time fraud detection and mandatory certifications for game integrity. These measures are designed to harmonize progress with public trust and long-term viability.

• Ontario’s online gambling market boomed in 2024‑25: Wagers reached C$82.7 billion, up 31% year‑over‑year, while gross gaming revenue hit C$3.20 billion—a 32% increase from the previous year.
• Casino games dominate: Online casino wagering made up C$69.6 billion (84% of total wagers), generating C$2.40 billion in revenue (36% growth). Sports betting added C$11.4 billion in handle (17% growth), producing C$724 million in revenue.
• Q4 set a new quarterly record: From January to March 2025, total wagers were C$22.9 billion, with C$903 million in revenue—both all-time highs.
• Regulated platforms dominate but offshore use persists: Licensed sites now capture 83.7% of player activity, up from 85.3% in 2023, but 16.3% of wagering still takes place offshore—signaling ongoing regulatory challenges.